Film event takes flight at Audubon Greenwich

Christina Hennessy

Published 4:00 pm, Tuesday, November 6, 2012

Photo: Contributed Photo

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Audubon Greenwich (Conn.) will celebrating a Greenwich osprey couple and their years of fledglings with a screening of a documentary-in-development from 3 to 5 p.m.; Sunday; Nov 11; 2012. In addition to the film; the event will feature osprey researchers and authors. Donations will benefit the film project and Audubon Greenwich. Reservations requested by calling 203-869-5272; Ext. 23 or emailing jcordulack@audubon.org.; Contributed photo/Kim Taylor

Audubon Greenwich (Conn.) will celebrating a Greenwich osprey couple and their years of fledglings with a screening of a documentary-in-development from 3 to 5 p.m.; Sunday; Nov 11; 2012. In addition to the

From his perch, Jacob Steinberg quickly realized he had the makings of a gripping tale, full of action, drama and emotion.

It would require some consistent visits on his part to document it all and, he hoped, an audience that would be equally fascinated.

The year was 2009 and Steinberg, a naturalist who has worked in Peru since 2006, was in Greenwich visiting family. From his occasional visits home, Steinberg had been aware of an osprey pair living on the dock of a nearby property, but he had never been in town long enough to witness a full season.

"I arrived just as mother osprey was sitting on her eggs and was fascinated never having been around at that time of year. So I climbed the nearest tree with view of the nest ... and waited to see what would happen," Steinberg recalled via email.

"I was able to observe unseen behaviors, subtle interactions and an intimate world of parental devotion, loyalty and tenderness," he said of what he observed through the lens of his camera. "I was hooked. I decided to stay the whole season and film."

Steinberg would return for three more seasons to document the birds and their habits, refine his filming techniques and get material for an upcoming documentary that follows the lives of this pair of osprey who have lived in Greenwich Harbor for more than 10 years.

In addition to the ospreys, Steinberg also focused on dozens of other species of birds and wildlife.

"The film is a celebration of the natural world, and the endless beauty and inspiration one fines within it," he wrote. "The charismatic, sociable and accessible osprey is a great protagonist and living amongst us is helpful in reconnecting people with the wonders of nature, which fortunately enough for those living in Greenwich, is often found right in our own backyards."

Audubon Greenwich will present an afternoon to learn more about Steinberg, to see footage from his documentary-in-development and to learn from osprey researchers.

The event, which Steinberg plans to attend, will be Sunday, Nov. 11, and will include refreshments and music. All ages are welcome, but it is most suitable for adults and interested youngsters.

Donations raised during the event will help in the film's production. Steinberg said there is an entire season of filming that remains before the documentary can be released in theaters.

He raised about $45,000 in a fundraising campaign recently for developmental costs, which, up to that point had been funded out-of-pocket.

"It was a labor of love," he said.

However, additional funding is necessary, Steinberg said, to allow him to continue to employ cutting-edge technology and innovative filming techniques.

Using a small hand-held camera, he has been able to create a film that features ultra-high resolution, as well as smooth, seamless slow-motion photography. And by employing remote and wireless control, Steinberg has caused minimal disturbance to the birds.

Although the ospreys featured are local celebrities, so to speak, Steinberg said the appeal of the film will transcend borders.

"A global citizen, (the osprey) is native to every continent on Earth except Antarctica," he wrote. "They are unique in that they live among humans everywhere, taking residence on our telephone towers, billboard signs and private docks.

"They openly and willingly allow us into their intimate lives, to an extent that is unparalleled among wild predators."